Calgary Stampede

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Calgary Stampede

Each year in early July, Calgary hosts the Stampede. Rodeo, chuckwagons, agriculture, exhibits and of course the midway are all part of the events. On the grounds are several buildings that are used year round for entertainment, sports (Calgary Flames make their home in the Saddledome), trade shows etc.

The Round Up centre pictured on the right, is located just a little west and north of the main grounds. It is a large building that houses a number of convention / meeting rooms. The decor is definitely first class.

Although a large building now, the Stampede plans to make it even bigger by adding additional halls.

Just outside the Round Up centre is a wonderful bronze statue of a cowboy on horseback along with a calf. Linda Stewart from Fort Macleod, Alberta was commissioned to do this statue called ROUNDUP. You can find out more about the artist at www.lindastewart.ca .

To the left is the Pengrowth Saddledome. Information about the building and space rental and services can be found at their website, www.pengrowthsaddledome.com . Not only is the Saddledome home to the Calgary Flames but also to the Calgary Hitmen (Western Hockey League) and the Calgary Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League).

The building was originally called the Olympic Saddledome, then later the Canadian Airlines Saddledome and currently it is the Pengrowth Saddledome. The latest sponsor is Pengrowth Management which is closely tied into Pengrowth Energy Trust. Their sponsorship also includes awarding NHL tickets to charitable organizations and amateur hockey teams.

More information on the architecture of the building can be found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/saddledome. You can see a great picture of the saddledome without its roof here